Visual and Performing Arts

Music—Minor

Minor Where You'll Learn It All

Classical, jazz, pep, and pop: to those who say Michigan Tech isn’t a musically oriented school, we say take another look. We may not offer a bachelor’s degree, but our Music minor (FAMU) is an in-depth and hands-on program for music lovers. You’ll learn it all—theory, appreciation, history, and performance—while you develop your musical abilities and take your talents to the next level.

  • Music minors provide knowledge of theory, history, and performance in a wide variety of genres.

  • Try out for any of Michigan Tech’s accomplished musical groups: Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Superior Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensembles, Choirs, or our crowd-rousing Pep Band (go Huskies!). 

  • Join Mu Beta Psi, the national honorary musical fraternity—meet other creative students, make great music with one another, give back to the community by offering music classes, and more.

Faculty Contact

Joel Neves

Joel Neves

  • Professor, Visual and Performing Arts
  • Academy of Teaching Excellence

Academic Advisor

Heather Simpson

Heather Simpson

  • Director of Advising and Exploring Majors
  • Exploring Majors/General Sciences and Arts
  • Instructor
  • Visual and Performing Arts Academic Advisor

Visual and Performing Arts Talent Award

For High School Seniors with Exceptional Talents in the Arts

Scholarships are available to incoming first-year students with exceptional talents in the arts, including instrumental or vocal music, visual arts, theatre performance, technical theatre, sound design/audio production, and/or music composition. Students may pursue any major at Michigan Tech and must plan to actively participate in musical ensembles, stage productions, take coursework in visual arts, or work toward a degree, second degree, or minor offered through the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department.

How to Apply

Application Opens

December 1

Deadline to Apply

February 15

Award Notification

Mid-March

Multiple students will be awarded annual scholarships valued up to $1,000 per year. The awards are in addition to other financial aid and scholarships awarded by Michigan Tech and are renewable for four years (eight semesters) of study based on active participation in the VPA Department.